Preventing AIDS and other STDs through condom promotion: a patient education intervention

We report on two studies that assessed the impact of a soap-opera style videotape on inner-city STD (sexually transmitted disease) patients' knowledge about and attitudes toward condom use, and willingness to redeem coupons for free condoms. Subjects in the first study who viewed the videotape (and participated in a brief oral recall session) had higher knowledge scores and more accepting attitudes than subjects who did not (knowledge test means of 11.1 versus 7.9, attitude index means of 13.0 versus 11.3). The intervention was most effective among those who were relatively poorly educated and, to a lesser extent, among those who reported less frequent use of condoms and fewer sex partners. In the second study, intervention group subjects were more likely than control group subjects to redeem coupons. Both groups exhibited a high level of interest in the free condoms. We argue that education and accessibility to free condoms can increase condom use and that health care providers have a vital role in promoting this form of STD prevention.